The regulatory body has announced new rules for age-rating video games, effective from 1 January. These rules will now consider “loot boxes” as a factor in determining age ratings. Loot boxes involve the use of in-game credits to purchase a random chance of winning an in-game item. The body also stated that in addition to content relevant to the protection of minors, possible online risks such as purchasing options and communication features will be taken into account when assigning age ratings.
The independent USK committees will assess if usage functions in individual cases pose an increased risk for children and young people, particularly in relation to in-game chats and unwanted expenses. The new rules emphasize that a game may receive a higher age rating if it impairs or jeopardizes a young person’s relationship with gambling, promotes gambling, contributes to desensitization to gambling losses, or leads to unrealistic product expectations.
Loot boxes have been a subject of controversy in various European countries. Belgium, for instance, has banned these products since 2018. The Netherlands initially attempted to ban loot boxes but this ban was overturned by a court. Spain, however, has chosen to ban loot boxes only for minors rather than implementing a complete ban.
